The Sistine Chapel was built between 1475 and 1483 during the time of Pope Sixtus IV.

It is best known for its elaborately painted ceiling, created by famed Renaissance artist Michelangelo. No trip to Italy is complete without viewing the magnificent work of this world-renowned figure in art history, who was also an architect, sculptor, and poet.

The Chapel was constructed based on the dimensions of the Temple of Solomon, as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. The first Mass was held on August 9, 1483.

Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to repaint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in 1508, which was originally a sky scene. He did his work lying on his back on scaffolding he built himself. He was originally commissioned to paint the Twelve Apostles, but in the end he painted over 300 figures.

He painted The Last Judgment over the altar between 1535 and 1541

The works are frescos, which is defined as “the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based pigments” by Merriam-Webster.

The Sistine Chapel, located north of St. Peter’s Basilica, underwent a full restoration that was completed in 1994.

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You can take a “virtual tour” of the Sistine Chapel at Vatican Museums Online by clicking on the link above.